Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) unveiled the latest version of its Internet television software platform, which it promises will offer features that will set the telecommunications companies apart from the cable providers. The Redmond, Wash., software titan is the key vendor to the highest- profile Internet protocol television, or IPTV, deployment in the nation: AT&T Inc.'s (T) U-verse service. But the rollout has met with frequent hiccups, and Microsoft has largely been blamed for the problems.

Microsoft is changing the name of the platform to Microsoft Mediaroom from Microsoft TV IPTV Edition. It's the third version of the software platform. With the latest edition, the company believes its problems are behind it. "It's all brand-new technology," said Microsoft spokesman Jim Brady. "All that fine-tuning is behind us. Now the platform will really start to flex its muscles and show its capabilities." Microsoft unveiled the new version of the platform Monday at the NXTcomm telecom industry trade show.